Waterparks’ Economic Impact on Rural Kentucky Communities

In recent years many rural communities look to diversify and bolster their local economy and many have begun to turn their attention to the tourism industry in hopes of attracting visitors and additional revenue. These rural communities are “focused on maximizing individual spending, and providing products and experiences as an incentive to tourists to stay longer and return on repeat visits” (Briedenhann & Wickens, 2004, p. 72). Also, waterparks, as well as amusement parks and theme parks, have become “motivators for tourism trips to many destination and core elements of the tourism product”